Vera

Information & Referral Specialist

Vera (she/her) is the Information & Referral Specialist at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). In this role, she assists individuals in navigating complex systems and connects them with reliable information, services, and community resources.

Before joining AAPD, Vera served as a Disability Rights Advocate at one of the country’s largest Centers for Independent Living. There, she led historic campaigns focused on transportation and housing justice, including securing long-term funding to expand public transit access for disabled residents in Northwest Ohio.

Vera brings a strong background in grassroots community organizing and social impact leadership. In 2020, she was honored with the “Community Advocacy” award from Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and the Toledo Bar Association for her mutual aid efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, she was among the honorees at Equality Ohio’s annual Allies & Advocates Ceremony.

She holds a Certificate in Financial Management from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business and has pursued studies at The University of Toledo.